ATA Board OKs New Preference-Points System for Trade Show

One reason for the update is that the Show now has exhibitor features like shooting lanes and Innovation Zone booths. Plus, the Show also offers sponsorship opportunities for exhibitors, which increases the ATA’s net income for funding initiatives that grow archery and bowhunting.

The Archery Trade Association’s Board of Directors voted during its April meeting to update the preference-point system for ATA Trade Show exhibitors starting with the 2015 Show.

“The previous system for calculating exhibitors’ preference points was devised in 2001,” said Maria Lewis, ATA Trade Show coordinator. “As the Show evolved, it became clear the system needed an update.”

Lewis said one reason for the update is that the Show now has exhibitor features like shooting lanes and Innovation Zone booths. Plus, the Show also offers sponsorship opportunities for exhibitors, which increases the ATA’s net income for funding initiatives that grow archery and bowhunting.

The previous preference-point system didn’t recognize revenue generated by exhibitors participating in these programs. By approving the ATA’s new point system, the Board ensured the trade association has a fair, equitable way to reward exhibitors.

What You Should Know

Will points accumulated through ATA membership change? No. Membership points will remain the same to reward consistent, longtime membership/support of the ATA. Although members have various ways to accumulate preference points, the ATA Board believes ATA membership remains the most valuable way for exhibitors to support the industry and its trade association.

How do sponsorship points work? Based on dollars spent, the new point system will reward exhibitors who enhance their Show presence by purchasing sponsorships. These companies enhance the Show’s branding and visual appeal, while increasing Show revenues for funding ATA initiatives.

What about point deductions? Will that process also change? No. Exhibitors will still lose half of their total points for not exhibiting at the ATA Trade Show in the first missed year. The company loses all points if it does not exhibit at the Show for two consecutive years.

Will exhibitors earn points for having participated in shooting lanes, the Innovation Zone and other programs at previous ATA Trade Shows? No. The new system is not retroactive. The ATA will reward points to exhibitors that invest in these items starting with the 2015 Trade Show.

How many points do exhibitors earn for each category now part of the revised point system?

1. Membership Points: Provides 5 points. Each exhibitor obtains 5 points for each year it is an ATA (formerly AMO) member.

5. Shooting Lane: Provides 1 Point per Shooting Lane. Awarding preference points for shooting lanes purchased recognizes an exhibitor’s financial investment in an important Show-floor feature. Many exhibitors consider shooting lanes essential to Trade Show participation. Shooting lanes also enhance and maximize the value of the Trade Show floor for attendees.

6. Participation Points: Eliminated. Every exhibitor obtains 5 points for participating in the Trade Show, so these points become irrelevant.